'Rare Bird': Exploring the issues involved in the making of a participatory animated documentary

Abstract

This article reflects on the outcomes of a practice-based research project conducted by the author in the second year of her undergraduate study. The project involved producing a short animated documentary about the experiences of an international student and reflecting on the theoretical and ethical issues arising in the process. The article begins with a theoretical discussion of selected aspects of animated documentary, including the functions fulfilled by animation, and the notions of realism and indexicality. This is followed by a critical reflection on the ethical issues involved in the production, and the implications for the author's own creative practice.